Minnesota Historical Society
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Powder Magazines
This original log powder magazine, and another one similar to it, stood across the road in front of you when Fort Ridgely was an active military post. These buildings were used for storing ammunition and unused weapons. During the 1862 bat…
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A FAR CRY FROM GLORY
Most officers in the regular army during the 1850s were professional soldiers with combat experience. Most had fought in the Mexican-American War (1846-47), and three quarters were West Point graduates. To those who had seen action in …
historicalmarkerproject.com/markers/HM1D36_officers-quarters-b_Fairfax-MN.html
Officers' Quarters—B
At first glance, this foundation of Officers' Quarters B appears identical to that of Officers' Quarters A. A closer look, however, reveals that this building was somewhat larger. Sketches of the two structures indicate they also…
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Officers' Quarters—A
The frame structure that stood here probably housed two officers and their families, much as a duplex would today. A central hall divided the building, and each half contained living, sleeping, and cooking areas.
Minnesota His…
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GARRISON LIFE WAS LIKE CLOCKWORK
The army believed that routine promoted discipline. Soldiers were on duty six days a week from daybreak to dusk. Garrison life consisted of roll calls, inspections, parades, guard duty, weapons training, drills, and daily c…
historicalmarkerproject.com/markers/HM1DC1_stone-barracks_Fairfax-MN.html
Stone Barracks
The immense stone barracks was the most impressive building at Fort Ridgely. Measuring 235 feet by 40 feet and two stories high, it could house as many as 400 enlisted men. Its two-foot-thick walls were made of rectangular granite blocks set…
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WHO LIVED IN THE BARRACKS?
Most soldiers at Fort Ridgely were low-ranking enlisted men, and before 1861 most of these were foreign-born. Out of 166 enlisted men in the 1860 census, 70 were from Ireland, 34 from Germany, ten from Great Britain, and 33 from …
historicalmarkerproject.com/markers/HM1DM5_bakehouse_Fairfax-MN.html
Bakehouse
Large wood-burning ovens emitted so much heat that they were housed in a special structure on this site, remote from the other fort buildings.
Minnesota Historical SocietyFort Ridgely
historicalmarkerproject.com/markers/HM1DQ1_camp-women_Fairfax-MN.html
CAMP WOMEN
In 1860, there were 39 women here at the fort. Most were the wives and daughters of officers and enlisted men. Others were governesses, servants, and cooks hired by officers. Civilian women like Wilhemina Randall, the wife of the post sutler, li…
historicalmarkerproject.com/markers/HM1DRC_log-buildings_Fairfax-MN.html
Log Buildings
Five log buildings stood in a row behind the barracks. They were among the earliest structures erected at the post to serve as officers' homes until regular quarters were completed. Archaeological excavations indicate that the building in the…